Facing my problems is one of my least favorite activities, but it is one that cannot be ignored. Oh, it could be ignored, but in doing do it doesn't solve anything. In fact sometimes the problems get worse when I ignore them.
One of favorite passages in scripture is found in II Chronicles 20, in the story of a king named Jehoshaphat. He had a pretty good gig as king, but you know there are always those pesky problems lurking around every corner. In the case of Jehoshaphat, his problems came in the form of three armies who had come together to destroy him and his people. Not one army.......not two armies....but three. So what's the first thing the old king does? He becomes fearful which is a pretty natural human reaction. What does he do next? He calls for the people to come together to have a corporate time of prayer. Now this isn't one of those sweet, gentle, flowery type prayer services where everyone prays in Old English terminology. Nope...it is one of those down-on-your-knees-the-only-words-that-come-are-Oh God-Oh God--Oh God type of prayer meetings. Anyway, God sends an answer, but I'm not so sure if we were part of the prayer meeting that we'd get all excited about what God told them.
II Chronicles 20:15-17 - "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. Tomorrow march down against them.
V.17 - You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you.....
V.17 - Do not be afraid...do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you."
The armies are still headed toward the King, just as your problems are headed toward you this morning. But God's call is for us to face our problems. Not run away, not ignore, not cower in fear.....but MARCH out. Be where we are suppose to be. Whether that is at work, in school, at home. We need to be there. We need to be there praying and praising God that He will fight our battles. He will give us His plans to face and defeat our problems. He will empower us through the indwelling of His Spirit within us to face our problems. We are not to let fear or discouragement overpower us. We live this day by faith that God is who He has claimed to be....and He will do what He has promised He would do.
Your might want to go over to II Chronicles 20 and read the entire chapter to get a broader picture and understanding of how this king and his people faced three invading armies.
Make this a good day by seeking God.
God on you........
mbb
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